ICC makes further progress towards Test, ODI leagues

DUBAI - The ICC Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) met at ICC headquarters in Dubai and made excellent progress towards finalising the Future Tours Programme (FTP) Test and ODI league schedules and began the process of drawing up rules, regulations and a points system for the leagues.

The CEC agreed to reconstitute its working group comprising David Collier (England and Wales Cricket Board), Nishantha Ranatunga (Sri Lanka Cricket), N Srinivasan (Board of Control for Cricket in India), James Sutherland (Cricket Australia) and David Richardson (ICC General Manager - Cricket) to consider the rules, regulations and points system for the new Test and ODI leagues.

The working group, which previously made recommendations on the leagues and ICC global event calendar, will be bolstered by the presence of top statistician and ICC Cricket Committee member, David Kendix. The group will report back in January 2011.

ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: “With the ODI league commencing immediately after the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, the ICC Board will need to confirm the rules and regulations at its February meeting. There was noticeable excitement during the CEC meeting when we realised the interest which these leagues will create.”

With the ICC Board having already approved the use of the Decision Review System (DRS) in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 (CWC) in Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka, the CEC agreed to afford Members the opportunity to use the DRS in bilateral One-Day Internationals prior to the CWC.

This will provide further opportunities for players, match officials and the technology suppliers to experience the use of the system. The long-term use of DRS in ODIs will, however, be considered by the ICC Cricket Committee at its meeting following the CWC.

The CEC also received an update on the Anti Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) review and, in relation to that, Mr Lorgat said: “Although the ACSU is regarded as the world leader in its field of work the ICC is keen to review all its procedures and structures to make improvements where possible.

“ICC has a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and at this meeting it was reaffirmed that everyone must work together to protect the integrity of cricket and maintain the confidence of the public in our great sport.

“The CEOs were reminded of the need to implement a domestic anti-corruption code, which mirrors that of the ICC, by 1 April 2011. The ICC and its Members will continue to be vigilant and work tirelessly to root out corruption,” he added.

The CEC comprises the chief executives of the 10 Test-playing Members and three representatives from the ICC Associate and Affiliate Members. It is chaired by the ICC Chief Executive. The Chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee was also in attendance. (ANI)